The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent warning that a critical funding shortfall threatens the continuity of food assistance to Sierra Leone over the next six months (May–October 2026). The agency requires USD 2.5 million immediately to sustain current operations amid intensifying economic pressures and climate‑related shocks

Despite constrained resources, WFP scaled up its operations in April 2026, reaching over 108,000 beneficiaries. During the month, the agency distributed 744 metric tonnes of food and delivered USD 80,823 in cash transfers, with women accounting for 52% of all recipients — a reflection of WFP’s focus on vulnerable households and gender‑equitable access.

These interventions remain essential in a country where 54–56% of the population lives in poverty and 78% faces food insecurity, including 13% classified as severely food insecure. The figures highlight the depth of humanitarian need despite recent improvements in political stability.

Sierra Leone has recorded notable progress in reducing severe food insecurity. According to the July 2025 Food Security Monitoring System survey, the proportion of severely food‑insecure households fell from 28% in 2023 to 13% in 2025 — a 53.6% decline over two years.

However, WFP cautions that these gains remain fragile. Chronic malnutrition continues to undermine human capital development, with 26% of children under five suffering from stunting — a long‑term threat to learning outcomes, productivity, and national economic resilience

The immediate USD 2.5 million requirement represents only a small portion of WFP’s broader Country Strategic Plan, which totals USD 148.73 million. To date, just USD 38.53 million has been secured, leaving a substantial financing deficit.

This shortfall poses a serious risk to the sustainability of WFP’s operations at a time when demand for food assistance is rising global humanitarian needs are escalating and donor resources are increasingly stretched. WFP urged policymakers, development partners, and donors to close the funding gap to prevent a reversal of hard‑won progress in strengthening Sierra Leone’s food security and economic resilience. Failure to mobilise the required resources, the agency warns, could jeopardise support to tens of thousands of vulnerable households and undermine national efforts to stabilise livelihoods in the face of persistent shocks.